5 vow renewal destinations for couples who secretly just want a vacation

Nothing like renewing your marriage vows (at a beachside in Barbados) or rekindling the romance (on a wine tour in Bordeaux). Yes, vows and vacays are a thing, and couples are going places with it. It’s not just about reaffirmations anymore. It’s also about reliving your special day with a renewed outlook on life. And for that, the best backdrop is a bare minimum. This serves as the perfect time (read: excuse) to embark on that trip that’s been postponed for years. Or tending to that bucket list that’s been ghosted thus far, even if it’s just to update the Instagram bingo card. Chasing milestones while celebrating milestones becomes all the more enjoyable when it comes with a luxurious stay during an exotic getaway. Luckily, our planet does not disappoint in that category. We’ve curated a list of places for couples who go for the vows and stay for the vacay. 

Barbados 

Start your soirée with a swim at the secluded Gibbes Beach, where the coast is clearer compared to its busier counterparts. Expect soft white sand and aquamarine waters at this beach, where every spot is unbelievably photogenic. Next, hop onto an electric tram to explore the shimmering depths of the limestone Harrison’s Cave, and be sure to look out for caverns, crystal-clear pools, streams, and century-old stalactites and stalagmites. Since you’re in the birthplace of rum, make an opportune pitstop at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery to sample a world-class glass or two! For your vow renewals, catch the golden hour with a sunset ceremony at the plush Sandy Lane beach (where you might just spot a celebrity). End with a hearty meal at the adjacent five-star Sandy Lane Hotel’s Bajan Blue restaurant, where sushi stations and wine await you! 

Udaipur, India 

Calling this romantic city the “Venice of the East” is a gross injustice, as Udaipur boasts a charisma of its own that is unseen elsewhere in the world. You’ve got the lakes, palaces, museums and havelis, all backed by the regality and rich cultural heritage of the city. For a truly indulgent experience, check in to a lakeside property such as Taj Lake Palace, reached via a specially chartered boat, where serene waterfront views of Lake Pichola will serenade you and yours all day! Be sure to visit the neighbouring City Palace and the Jagdish Temple, for its Indo-Aryan architecture, followed by a quick trip to the verdant gardens at Saheliyon Ki Baari. Perched atop the majestic Aravalli Hills, Sajjangarh Palace makes for the perfect picture spot and comes with sweeping views of the Fateh Sagar Lake. Head back to the hotel for an unforgettable meal under the stars at Bhairo, where renewing your vows just makes sense. 

Abisko, Sweden 

If chasing the Northern Lights is on your travel agenda, Abisko is a must-visit. While the Finnish Lapland is the more popular pick, Abisko is the official “blue hole” that promises clear skies despite surrounding overcast regions, due to its unique geographical disposition. As a microclimactic anomaly, this remote locale in Sweden offers a front-row view of the dancing Aurora Borealis. And to book your seat, be sure to visit between September and early April, when the skies are darkest and the Northern Lights shine brightest. Though easily visible from hotel windows, couples will love embarking on a private tour to visit multiple aurora spots in an uber comfy 4×4 van, or a fantastical sleigh, which is pulled behind a snowmobile! The veteran guides know exactly where light pollution ceases to exist, and even provide a DSLR camera, overalls, and a headlamp on tour, promising the best Swedish experience. This is also the perfect place for vow renewals by the kaleidoscopic backdrop of the Northern Lights! Next, live your Scandinavian fairytale dreams with a magical stay at the world’s OG Icehotel, which assumes a new shape every year when it is built using the ice from the frozen Torne River. Enjoy a dog-sleigh ride, reminisce about the good times over a cup of coffee brewed over fire, chill (pun unintended) in your deluxe ice suite, or indulge in a delicious tasting menu inspired by the eight Sami seasons!

Maldives

A quintessential choice, with good reason. Paradise makes its presence felt on Earth at this island nation, where nature’s done some of her best work. You know the drill – multi-hued skies, water so clear it washes away all your woes, and nothing but relaxation on the horizon. This is the spot where itineraries are a myth, it’s just you, your partner, and a luxurious villa across the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean. That’s why choosing the right property is of essence. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is barefoot luxury at its best, with overwater villas assuming the silhouette of manta rays, an active watersports centre (where you might spot actual mantas), an alfresco yoga pavilion, and more. Book the three-bedroom The John Jacob Astor Estate if you’re planning an intimate ceremony for your vows, and the staff will oblige your requests with custom-designed experiences for special events. Here, let hedonism take over as you dine under the stars, enjoy a private screening or plunge into your private pool for the ideal Maldivian experience. At this archipelago, the genre is romance and the memories – everlasting!

Aspen, Colorado, The United States of America 

Its solid winter reputation precedes it, with cabin stays, culinary gems and recreational activities on offer. And spoiler alert: the claims are not hyperbolic. This mountain town in the Rockies has all the makings of a romantic getaway, from sparkly snow-smothered streets to ski resorts making the most of spotless expanses ahead. For vow renewal ceremonies overlooking the conifer forests, book any of the 92 slopeside rooms at The Little Nell, where you can spend hours in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. The five-star property also specialises in hosting events for both, small and big cohorts, including at The Wine Bar and the Aspen Mountain Club, which comes with unobstructed views of the Elk Mountains. And for a taste of the finer things in life, don’t miss the champagne shower at Cloud Nine against the backdrop of the Maroon Bells, where you can also indulge in warm fondue whilst seated a European style cabin. The snow glows white on the mountains every night during winter in Aspen, and this is one dreamy experience you won’t want to let go!

All photos: Getty 

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